Spring can feel like fishing’s reward after a long winter. Water temperatures rise, fish shake off their lethargy, and silvers — especially roach and skimmers — feed with renewed enthusiasm. For match anglers, spring is the best time to put together consistent silverfish nets while others are still chasing moody carp.
Seasonal Behaviour
As daylight hours lengthen, silverfish grow more active. They’ll move into shallower areas to warm up and feed confidently on maggots, casters, and soft pellets. Unlike winter, when bites are finicky, spring roach and skimmers bite positively. This makes them perfect targets while carp are still unpredictable.
Lines and Hooklengths
For spring silvers, I standardise at 0.18mm main line to 0.16mm hooklengths. This covers skimmers up to 3lb but is still fine enough for steady roach sport. If bites are cautious, stepping down to 0.14mm hooklengths can make all the difference. Hooks should be fine wire patterns in sizes 18–20 for maggot or caster, 16 for pellet.
Elastic Choices
I stick with solid 6–8. It cushions small roach strikes but still copes with a bonus hybrid or skimmer. Lighter elastics risk bumping bigger fish, heavier ones spook the shoal. Spring is all about balance, and a soft but controlled elastic does the job.
Feeding Patterns
Groundbait and loose feed become key weapons. A couple of small balls at the start, packed with pinkies or micros, set the scene. After that, I feed little and often with casters or maggots to keep fish competing. Roach love to graze, and regular feed keeps the peg alive.
Float & Rig Setup
A slim-bodied 4×12 or 4×14 float with a fine tip is ideal. Shotting can be strung out for natural presentation, or a light bulk if the tow is strong. Fishing just off the deck often tempts roach, while laying on works better for skimmers.
Why Silvers Shine in Spring
Spring silver-fishing is consistent, confidence-building, and often the quickest route to framing when carp are patchy. You can put weight in the net all match rather than gambling on bonus fish. For many anglers, this is the season when roach and skimmers are at their best.